Hello you lovely lot!
I’ve decided to take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.
I know, I can’t quite believe I’m typing this either (cue nervous butterflies).
April 6, 2019, my grandmother passed away after a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
For four years, I watched the illness progress from the early to late stages. It affected my gran's memory, mood, her expression, independence and quality of life. At the same time, I also watched how it shaped and changed my family. Towards the end, she became dependent on my mum, aunt, uncle and myself for round-the-clock care. Being a carer is taxing both physically and emotionally. I can only best describe it as constantly feeling heartbroken.
I’m sure like many of you can relate, my gran was my cheerleader until the end. She encouraged my ambition, fixed my tears with food and celebrated my achievements through song and dance. So I guess, this makes the challenge that much sweeter or in my case sweatier because it’s a tribute to her.
You don’t have to know me very well, to know that running is outside my comfort zone. I’ve given it a few attempts, each time struggling HARD. So this should get really interesting.
I’m going to document the journey on my Instagram @natsnatterings, so if you have any parting advice please send it my way.
Dementia is currently the UK’s biggest killer. One in three babies born this year will go on to develop the condition.
Tackling a half marathon is without a doubt the hardest challenge I’ve faced to date. Fittingly, race day is two days after my birthday, so I would love nothing more than if you could please donate to my fund! Big or small, anything at all would mean the world to me.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you ❤️
You’re all invited for a post-celebratory pint (I’ll definitely be needing one).
Nat x
